The point of my post was the Duke University study, not who was presenting the study or the best magazine to read.
That's fair, I don't think that's the best practice but I do the same thing sometimes. I don't have any issues with the study itself.
I do feel that, especially with public health information, a credible and quality source is important.
For instance the NJfamily article itself isn't horrible (it just paraphrases another article that is paraphrasing the study). But the headline is sensationalist and intentionally misleading:
"Could the mask you're wearing actually be spreading germs?"
Answer: 12 out of 14 face coverings (including every type of mask tested) are effective. 1 is not and 1 or 2 are only marginally effective.
I suppose a headline of
"Study shows: most masks effective, bandanas and fleece neck gaiters are not" doesn't generate as many clicks.
Yes, this was on of the big take aways for most in the study. Hopefully this info can give many folks some understanding that their current mask is giving them a false sense of security, safety and ego.
I do agree one takeaway should be, use a double layer mask or other recommended option, don't use a single layer neck gaiter/buff/fleece and only use a bandana if that's all you have (its much less effective than other types, but if you look at the posted charts (particular top right) you will see its still substantially better than no mask at all).
And I do agree its good advice to make sure your mask is effective from a public health standpoint (and just do you best to follow and understand public health guidance in general).
The two most common types in my area (double or triple layer cloth and surgical masks are both recommended by public health authorities and are effective according to the study we are discussing and others).
As to a false sense of safety and security, I agree a false sense of security can make things worse. Regarding mask wearing in general, the primary purpose of wearing a mask RE: Covid is and always has been (1) protecting others, (2) minimizing or slowing the spread of the virus. Some personal protection is offered by mask wearing, but its not the primary purpose or motivation in this context.
Both mask wearing, and those who refuse to wear a mask out of naivety/ignorance or selfishness need to understand the primary purpose is not self protection, its about caring for and respecting others and protecting the community as a whole.
We currently have a large percentage of folks wearing basically underwear on their face(that offers no real virus suppression or protection qualities) aggressively and violently demanding others do the same as them.
Than we are in agreement, the takeaway should be to make sure to wear an
effective mask in appropriate situations, in combination with other reasonable precautions and good hygeine, and take other reasonable and socially conscious steps to protect others and ourselves and limit the spread of the virus.
